Illuminated moving-picture theater



April 15, 1930. D. FARNUM ILLUMINATED MOVING PIGTURE THEATER Filed April 13, 1927 3 Sheets-Sheet l zi -mar April 15, 1930.

ILLUMINATED MOVING PICTURE THEATER D. FARNUM Filed April 13, 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 lhg/egier April 15, 1930.

D. FARNUM ILLUMINATED MOVING PICTURE THEATER Filed April 13, 1927 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Apr. 15, 1930 warren stares earner @FFiCE DWIGHT FARNUM, OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNOR OF TWENTY-FIVE PER CENT TO WILLIAM CONLOGUE WOODARD AND Tl-IIRZEYSEVEN AND ONE-HALF PER CENT TO W. HALL CROVTELL, BOTH 01: LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA ILLUMINATED MOVING-PICTURE THEATER Application filed April 13,

My invention is an illuminated moving picture theater, r a theater or auditorium especially adapted for showingmoving pictures.

A good deal of objection has been raised as to the ordinary construction and lighting of typical moving picture theaters or other auditoriums which are occasionally used for exhibiting moving pictures, or transforming into a theater construction for showing such iictures. The patrons of such theaters find it inconvenient on entering the theater which is in substantially complete darkness, or so nearly (la that seats and other people cannot beseen, and also after a persons eyes become accustomed to the faint and dull lighting, it there is any, there are frequently objections raised by patrons as to the actions of other people in the theater, which disagreeable and annoying actions are carried on under cover of the darkness. Moreover many organizations have voiced strong objections to ordinary dark moving picture theaters and have agitated that the theaters be better lighted while the pictures are being exhibited. Moreover theater owners and managers have found that a Well lighted theater a more reinunerative proposition than a dark or gloomy auditorium in that the Vfil'tlgfi audience likes to attend the theater well dressed and to see the other people in the theater. v

A main object, therefore, of my invention is the construction of theaters or other auditoriums or halls so that moving pictures may be exhibited while the auditorium is illuminated to a sutlicient extent to avoid any dark and gloomy effect and to enable the spectators to readily see about the auditorium as well as to enjoy an adequate presentation oi the picture.

invention also comprehends the manner l. reconstructing theaters at present in use to ha ve my special construction and lighting so that the auditorium that is the main part of the hall, may be adequately illumihated and the stage and the screen in darkness to properly exhibit the pictures.

Another object of my invention is in the use of various devices which may be placed nated.

1927. Serial No. 183,394.

either temporarily or permanently in auditoriuins and theaters of constructions which cannot in the present form function as my theater arrangement to light the auditorium and at the same time to have the stage darkened and the screen darkened for adequate presentation of the pictures.

My invention generally comprises a construction by which the main portion of the auditorium is illuminated, either by artificial or natural light, whether direct or indirect, so that the stage or the major portion of the stage and the screen on which pictures are projected is in a deep shadow whereas the rest of the auditorium is sufficiently illumi- One manner of eiiecting this construction is by having the ceiling formed in a series of inverted steps with the lighting fixtures located in the angle of the steps so that as these steps gradually approach the stage the pro ccti parts of a nearer step obscure the hi, it cast a shadow on the stage and i. In combination with this construction of the ceiling I preferably form the side walls also with a series of steps or recesses which are spaced wit er apart in a horizontal direction as they recede from the stage, these steps being arranged, together with the lighting natures on the side walls if any, to cast a Thus the shed w on the stage andscreen. auditorium on the spectators side of the adequately illuminated whereas the g 1d screen are in a deep shadow.

It is to be understood that suitable architectural forms may be utilized and the side steps and ceiling steps may be in the form of more or right angular pilasters or pillars on the side walls with square cut stepped ceilings, or the sidewalls and ceilings may be formed in a series of arches, decreasing towards the stage, and if desired these various features may be combined.

In adapting a theater of ordinary construction which cannot be readily remodeled, or one having domed ceiling, I install drop curtains or framing from the ceiling or roof structure to form a series of step like structures or shadow producing elements in combination with the ceilinglights so that the stage and screen are in a deep shadow whereas the remaining part of the auditorium is adequately illuminated. If it is desired to have side lighting in the theater, I install lateral partitions which extend out from the side walls of a theater towards the center, these being arranged to form shadow effecting elements together with any side lighting to also darken the stage and illuminate the auditorium.

Another characteristic feature of my invention is the projection of motion pictures and the like through thediifused light of the theater or auditorium onto a darkened stage and screen. The effect produced on the spec tutor is of sitting in an adequately lighted hall or auditorium in which sufficient light is always present to allow a person to readily find a seat and to recognize friends and acquaintances, and in other-words to see the audience adequately, and the stage presents a dark appearance with the picture brilliant- I illuminated on the screen. Thus, although there is adequate light in the auditorium, the picture, on account of being in the part that is in deep shadow, shows with suflicient clear- BOSS.

My invention in its various as trated in the accompanying which:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal vertical section through an improved type of theater, as if taken on the line 1-1 of Fig. 2.

Figure 2 is a horizontal section through the theater of Fig. 1, taken at a sufficient elevation to illustrate the side wall construction.

Figure 3 is a vertical transverse section, as if taken on the line 33 of Fig. 2 in the direction of the arrows, that is looking towards the stage.

Figure 4 is a vertical longitudinal section through a typical present type theater used for moving pictures, with shadow forming screens installed therein to allow illumination and yet form a shadow on the screen and stage.

Figure 5 is a vertical transverse section, as if taken on the line 5--5 of Fig. 4 in the direction of the arrows, that is looking towards the stage.

Figure 6 is a horizontal section of the thelie! of Figs. 4 and 5 taken at a suflicient h ht above the floor level to show the main features of the construction of lateral screens or frames to form shadows on the stage.

Figure 7 is a vertical longitudinal section through a type of auditorium or theater having a domed ceiling in which shadow formingl screens or frames are installed to form a S cts is illusrawmgs, 1n

adow on the stage and screen.

igure 8 is a horizontal section of Fig. 7 showing the side or lateral screens or frames forming a shadow when used with side light- Figure 9 is a vertical transverse section,

substantially on the line 99 of Fig. 8 in the direction of the arrows, that is looking towards the stage.

Figure 10 is a longitudinal section of a modified construction, somewhat similar to Fig. 1, illustrating the use of natural daylight for illuminating the theater.

Figure 11 is a longitudinal section of a modified theater construction showing electric lighting with reflectors forming a shadow on the screen.

In the construction of the theater of Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the ground floor seating is designated generally by the numeral 11, the stage by the numeral 12, having a screen 13 positioned thereon on which the pictures are projected, having a back stage construction 14 for any suitable purpose as vaudeville exhibits or the like. A plurality of balconies or galleries 15 are illustrated. The roof 16 of the theater may be shaped to conform somewhat to the interior construction. The ceiling, designated generally by the numeral 17, is formed with a series of steps 18, some of these steps being shown with a horizontal surface 19 and a vertical surface 20, others being shown with a curved or coved surface 21, having downwardly projecting parts 22 away from the stage, and 23 towards the stage. The side wall construction is also indicated as being a series of stepped portions 24 which are spaced apart to a greater extent the distance increases from the stage. Some of these are formed with vertical surfaces 25 extending longitudinally of the the: ater, and with other vertical surfaces 26 extending transversely of the theater. These are illustrated as being plane surfaces. There may also be additional coved surfaces 27 which have at each side thereof projecting parts 28 and 29. With this structure of a theater the side portions 30 on each side of the back stage may be used as in present theaters for screens, staging, or the like, and the side spaces 31 behind the stepped side walls may be utilized for dressing rooms, storage rooms, oiiices, etc.

The ceiling lighting is indicated by indirect lighting fixtures 32 on some of the steps and indirect lighting fixtures 33 on the coved portions. The side lighting is indicated by indirect lighting fixtures 34 on the vertical plane surfaces, and on the coved structure. The picture projector is indicated by the numeral 36 and the approximate line of projected light is indicated by the dotted lines 37. From, the lighting fixtures, even if indirect light is utilized, a certain amount of light will be noted on the ceiling structure or the wall surfaces adjacent such fixtures. The dotted lines 38. 39, 10 and 41, indicate approximately the line of shadow from the lighting fixtures behind each of the step portions illustrated, these shadows being formed by the downwardly projecting parts of the stepstructure or the projections 22 and 23, and curved, coved or arched portions. Where side lighting is used the dotted lines 42,43 and 44, indicate the shadow line formed'by theinward projections of the side stage portions or of the coved, curved, or otherwise irregularly shaped parts of the theater conconstructions. This is toillustrate different architectural characteristics whichmay be embodied in the theater construction.

Together with my system of theater construction and lighting I prefer to have the walls painted or tinted with what may be considered as flat tones, that is with more or less non-reflecting paints or colors, and in addition may have light absorbing draperies, etc., so that the direct, indirect, or diffused light from the light fixtures will not be reflected onto the stage and screenfrom the internal parts of the theater to a sufficient extent to interfere with the proper showing of the picture. 7,

It will thus be seen that the main portion of the auditorium where the spectators are seated may be suflicientli illuminated to allow the people entering and leaving the theater to readily locate the seats and the aisles and passages, as well as having sufficient light that the spectators in differentparts of the theater are readily visible one to the other and with my system of construction and lighting I may provide sufficient illumination to m allow the patrons to consult programs and possibly follow a synopsis of the story in print. In practice it is desirable that the projector have a lamp of quite high power and possibly more powerful projecting lamps will be required than in the present darkened theater construction, however, this is a fact-or which is readily obtained.

In the construction of Figs. 4, 5 and 6, I show a somewhat typical theater construe tion as at present commonly used. In this casethe ceiling hasa slope towards the screen 51, which is illustrated as dropping on the stage 52. The side walls 53 also converge towards the stage. In this construction for the ceiling I utilize a series of drop screens, curtains, or frames 54, which may be of any suitable construction and are opaque to light, these being either suspended from the ceiling or supported byside frames, screens or the like 55, which project laterally from the side walls. It will be noted that these screens depend from the ceiling a greater distance approaching the stage, as is indicated by the relative length of the screen adjacent the stage 56 and that most remote 57. Also the side screens are graduated in length, decreasing as they recede from the stage. The ceiling lighting fixtures are indicated by the numeral 58 and are shown as of the indirect lighting type, and the lighting fixtures on the side walls are indicated by the numeral 59, these also being of the indirect type. The lowest part of the ceiling screens cause a shadow line which is indicated by the dotted lines 60, 61, 62 and 63, and it will be noted that the front part of the stage and the screen are in the shadow. In the side lighting the screens form a shadow 64, 65 and 66, leaving the stage and the screen in shadow.

The construction of Figs- 7, 8 and 9, utilizes the same principles as disclosed in Figs. t, 5 and6, for forming a shadow on the stage by means of screens or partitions which extend downwardly from the ceiling and inwardly from the side walls. In this case the theater is shown as having a domed ceiling from which depend the screens or partitions 71 and from the side walls 72 there are lateral partitions 73 extending inwardly. The lighting fixtures on the ceiling are designated by the numeral 7 4. and those on the side walls by the numeral 75. The lower edge of the ceiling screens, together with the positioning of the light fixtures, form lines of shadows 76, 77, 7 8 and 7 9, and the lighting fixtures on the side walls form shadow lines with the side screens 80, 81 and 82. It will be seen that these shadow lines leave the stage in a shadow and that substantially no illumination from these fixtures reaches the screen. In the construction illustrated in Fig. 9 the ceiling screens are shown with a curved lower surface to conform to the curvature of the arch but it is understood these may continue straight across from one side of the theater E to the other, if it is desired, to have a lower structure forming the shadow rather than one concentric with the arch.

In the construction of Fig. 10 I Show a theater roof construction 85 with a series of steps 86, and in the vertical portion of these are windows 87, the horizontal parts 88 having no opening. These windows may be of suitable glass to refract the light, diffusing it in general directions through the theater, and if desired may be colored to give pleasing effects. W ith this construction the rays of light from these windows may be diffused with a fan shaped arrangement, as indicated by the numerals 89, 90 and 91, and from this 7 construction it will be seen that the stage and the screen are in substantial darkness, receiving only light which would be reflected from the back portion of the theater, and the walls in this construction may be painted with light a n absorbing paint or draped with light absorbin draperies.

n the construction shown in Fig. 11 I illustrate a construction in which lighting fixtures 95 are suspended from the ceiling, these fixtures having a reflector 96, with the back of the reflector towards the stage, and having a lamp 97 mounted in the fixtures, and preferably with a front reflector 98 to prevent the direct rays from the lamp interfering with the spectators. Other arrangements of diffused light may be utilized, the'character of the structure requiring that the side 99 of the fixture towards the screen and stage be opaque and cast a shadow on the screen and stage.

y my construction of theaters and theater lighting even should some of the diffused light from the theater be reflected on the stage and screen, the stage and the side walls adjacent thereto could have light absorbing characteristics so that the light surrounding the screen would not be noticeable to the spectators and the light on the screen in any circumstances would be very dim and this would be counteracted by the intensity of the projected light showing the picture.

Another characteristic of my invention is that the lighting arrangements are increased, with the proper construction for throwing a shadow on the stage and screen", that the relative density of the darkness or shadow on the stage or screen'increases as the intensity of light of general illumination in the auditorium increases. In other words as the illumination generally diffused through the auditorium is increased, the relative darkness or density of such darkness on the stage and screen will be more apparent.

A characteristic feature of my invention is that I give a diffused light to the ceiling, walls and floor as well as the balcony floors of the auditorium, but maintain the stage and screen for moving pictures on the stage in deep shadow. This may be effected by the particular design of the ceiling and side walls of the theater, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, in which the steps prevent the light from the fixtures from shining on the stage and screen, while giving a general illumination to the auditorium. In the construction of Figs. 4 through 8 partitions or shadow-producing means may be utilized, and in these latter constructions it is not necessary to make such modification in the theater. In the arrangement of Fig. 11 lighting fixtures may be utilized which give a diffused light on the ceiling, walls and floor of the auditorium but maintain the stage and the screen for the pictures in the shadow.

As many theaters are designed with panel and artistic walls and ceilings, as well as furnishings to accommodate the audience, it

will therefore be seen that by my system of lighting. these are set oil to their best advantage, and my invention clearly distinguishes from auditorium lighting in which the ceiling and other parts are maintained in shadow by special lighting fixtures.

In the claims where I have designated part of the theater as the main body of the theater, this is intended to comprehend the portion in which the audience or spectators are seated, and does not refer to lobbies or other passages, or to the stage. Also the designation of the screen in the claims refers to the screen on the stage, or any other place on which pictures may be projected.

A further characteristic feature of my invention is that the illumination of the main body of the auditorium or theater gradually decreases towards the stage, being more brilliant towards the rear end of such auditorium or theater, that is if the lighting fixtures are uniformly spaced and of uniform intensity. This is due to thelarger ceiling and wall areas at the back part of the theater and also to the reflecting surfaces of the depending stepped parts of the ceiling and the inwardly stepped parts of the side walls, as represented in Figs. 1 and 2, and the depending partition and inwardly extending partition structures of Figs. 4 through 8. The same effect is also obtained with the lighting fixtures of Fig. 11 and with the daylight system of lighting of Fig. 10. Therefore, the main body of the auditorium has the effect of sufiiciently brilliant illumination in all parts, with a greater intensity of illumination towards the back portion gradually decreasing towards the stage or screen, and this stage or screen being in a dense shadow.

Various changes may be made in the principles of my invention without departing from the spirit thereof, as set forth in the description, drawings and claims.

I claim 1. A moving picture theater having a screen at one end for exhibiting pictures, a ceiling having a structure formed with inverted stepped characteristics, lighting fixtures positioned in relation to the ceiling adjacent the angles of the steps, the downward- 1y extending part of the inverted steps casting a shadow on the screen whereby the screen is maintained in a shadow and the ceiling, walls and floor of the main body of the theater has a general illumination.

2. A moving picture theater having a screen to exhibit pictures, a ground floor and a ceiling construction, the ceiling construction having a series of inverted steps, said steps approaching more closely to the ground floor as they approach the screen, lighting fixtures positioned adjacent the ceiling at angular portions of the steps, the steps casting a shadow on the screen, and the side walls being formed in stepped constructions diverging as they recede from the screen, lighti ng fixtures positioned adjacent the side walls,

the stepped structure of the side walls casting a shadow on the screen whereby the screen is maintained in a shadow and the ceiling walls and floors of the main body of the theater illuminated.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification.

DWIGHT FARNUM. 

